According to World Health Organization (WHO), one in eight people worldwide lives with mental disorders. The two main mental disorders experienced by people are depression and anxiety. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO reported a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression. In addition, there is a huge gap in the treatment of major depressive disorders. In India, the National Mental Health Survey of India (NMHS) reported a treatment gap of 80%.

A major reason for this treatment gap is the stigma associated with mental disorders and the myths surrounding it. According to the national survey report 2018 on how Indians perceive mental illness, 60% agreed that one of the main causes of mental illness is the lack of self-discipline and will-power. An equal percentage suggested that mentally unhealthy people should be kept apart from healthy people. Around 68% agreed that people with mental disorders should not be given any responsibilities. With such strong negative emotions associated with mental disorders, people find it difficult to seek help.

These negative perspectives arise due the myths associated with mental disorders. For example, some of the myths associated with depression are:

Depression is not a real illness: Many studies have proved that depression is linked with changes in pre-and post-synaptic turnover and function of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Depression does not need medical treatment: As depression involves deviations in neurotransmitter functioning, depression is most cases cannot be managed just talk therapy, lifestyle changes. It needs medical intervention.

Depression is hereditary: It is true that people with first-degree relative with depression have 2-3 times higher risk of developing depression. However, all people with such family history develop depression. In fact, people with no family history of depression do also develop the condition.

Herbal supplements can cure depression: Through research, few herbal supplements are found to be useful, while others are not. The later might pose serious health risks.

Antidepressants are addictive: Antidepressants are not addictive. It is just that few may experience withdrawal symptoms if they leave the therapy midway or miss taking doses.

Depression in more common in females: Usually, men talk less about their emotions and hence less likely to seek help.
This World Mental Health Day, let us “Say Yes to Life” and remove the stigma associated with depression and other mental disorders.